How much does a receptionist make?

The salary of a receptionist varies depending on a number of factors such as location, industry, experience, and qualifications.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for receptionists and information clerks in the United States was $14.45 per hour in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.99, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $20.79.

As of January 2023, the average hourly pay for a receptionist in the United States is $14.84 an hour. However, it's worth noting that the pay can vary widely depending on the industry, location, and experience.

Some receptionists in large cities or in industries such as finance, law or healthcare may earn a higher salary than those in smaller towns or in different industries. Some receptionists may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. It's also important to note that some receptionist positions may be part-time or temporary, which can affect the salary and benefits.

Additionally, a receptionist with certifications or higher education may earn more than a receptionist without those qualifications.

Best-paid skills and qualifications for receptionists

There are several skills and qualifications that can lead to higher-paying receptionist jobs. Some of the best-paid skills and qualifications for receptionists include:

1. Experience: Receptionists with more experience tend to earn higher salaries. This is because they have developed strong customer service and communication skills, as well as knowledge of the industry they work in.
2. Technical skills: Receptionists with advanced technical skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office or experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software, may be able to command higher salaries.
3. Bilingualism: Receptionists who are fluent in more than one language can be in high demand and may earn higher salaries.
4. Professional certification: Certain professional certifications, such as the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), can demonstrate a receptionist's knowledge and expertise in the field, which may lead to higher pay.
5. College degree: Receptionists with a college degree may be able to earn higher salaries than those without one. A degree in business administration, communication, or a related field can be an asset for receptionists looking for higher-paying jobs.

The salary for receptionists can also depend on the industry they work in, for example, receptionists working in Law or Health care tend to earn more than those in other industries.

Where do receptionists earn more in the US?

Receptionists in certain states and cities in the US tend to earn higher salaries than those in other areas. Some examples include:

• California: Receptionists in California earn an average salary of $35,810 per year, which is higher than the national average. This can be due to the high cost of living and higher demand for receptionists in the state.
• New York: Receptionists in New York earn an average salary of $34,540 per year, which is also higher than the national average. This is likely due to the high cost of living and strong economy in the state.
• Alaska: Receptionists in Alaska earn an average salary of $32,940 per year, which is higher than the national average. This is due to the high cost of living in the state, which also reflects on the salaries of the workers.
• Washington DC: Receptionists in the District of Columbia earn an average salary of $35,800 per year, which is higher than the national average. This is likely due to the high cost of living and strong economy in the area.

Top 5 highest-paying cities for receptionist jobs

Salaries for receptionists can vary depending on the city they work in. Some cities tend to offer higher-paying receptionist jobs than others. Here are a few examples of cities with high-paying receptionist jobs:

1. San Francisco, CA: Receptionists in San Francisco earn an average salary of $44,090 per year, which is higher than the national average. This can be due to the high cost of living and higher demand for receptionists in the city.
2. New York City, NY: Receptionists in New York City earn an average salary of $40,610 per year, which is also higher than the national average. This is likely due to the high cost of living and strong economy in the city.
3. San Jose, CA: Receptionists in San Jose earn an average salary of $41,080 per year, which is higher than the national average. This is likely due to the high cost of living and strong economy in the city.
4. Washington, DC: Receptionists in Washington, DC earn an average salary of $38,880 per year, which is higher than the national average. This is likely due to the high cost of living and strong economy in the city.
5. Seattle, WA: Receptionists in Seattle earn an average salary of $36,890 per year, which is higher than the national average. This is likely due to the high cost of living and strong economy in the city.

It's worth noting that the salary for receptionists can also depend on the industry they work in, for example, receptionist working in Law or Health care tend to earn more than those in other industries. Also, this information is based on the data available at my knowledge cutoff date, hence the salary might change with time.